Guide

Why is an earthing measurement not enough on its own?

The measured resistance value is only part of the result; continuity and the integrity of connections are tested too.

How often

For this equipment family the inspection interval is one year unless the relevant standards set a different period. Where a standard sets a shorter interval, the shorter one applies; where the manufacturer's instruction requires more frequent checks, that is followed. The validity of an inspection depends less on its interval than on what the report contains.

What the measurement says

An earthing measurement shows whether fault current can flow safely to earth. But a single resistance value does not show that the conductor has not broken or loosened somewhere; continuity is tested separately.

The effect of season

Soil moisture changes the measurement. A reading taken in a dry period may not represent the same installation at its worst. That is why the date and the conditions of the measurement stay in the report.

An installation that grows

When a new machine, panel or building is added, the earthing network grows with it. An old report does not cover new equipment; when something is added, the measurement is renewed.

In Optifora

The periodic inspection module records the equipment, sets its interval by family, reminds you as the date approaches, and attaches the report to the equipment's record. Equipment past its date appears separately in the list and counts as high risk in the assessment.

  1. Add the equipment to the inventoryRecord it with its serial number, location and family; equipment not in the inventory does not get inspected.
  2. Set the intervalSet the interval by family; where the manufacturer's instruction is more frequent, take that as the basis.
  3. Confirm the authorised personConfirm in advance that the person doing the inspection is authorised for that equipment.
  4. Have the inspection doneHave it done against its criteria; record the result as conforming or non-conforming.
  5. Attach the reportAttach the report to the equipment's record; tie any non-conformity to a corrective action.
  6. Put the next one in the calendarEnter the next inspection date; if the equipment changes, set the interval again.

Manage this in Optifora

Optifora is not a single program but a compliance platform assembled from modules. The catalogue states which module is ready today and which is on the roadmap.

See what Optifora is